Why is Germany taking a big stake in a major tankmaker?

https://www.dw.com/en/why-is-germany-taking-a-big-stake-in-a-major-tankmaker/a-77687784?mobileApp=true

25 points · 7 comments · view on lemmy.world

7 Comments

Ooops@feddit.org · 12 pts · 74d (6 replies)

Germany highlighted the importance of working closely with France in its statement, saying the deal "aims to strengthen bilateral and European defense cooperation in particular, with collaboration with France playing a key role."

It also emphasizes that it will work "in close dialogue and on an equal footing with its French partners."

Or for the translation "Diplomatic" to "English': Without an equal stake France will fuck up this (officially German-led) shared project, too, with yet another "we decide the specs, develop the tech, get the work load but you can get half the bill"-move.

huppakee@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 74d

You got the part where it's nice to have someone to blame if it goes bad but forgot the part where it's nice to show off your smart financial choices when it goes good.

kraxla@piefed.social · -3 pts · 74d (4 replies)

They both fuck up all the time. Germany with MALE Drone.

Ooops@feddit.org · 7 pts · 74d (2 replies)

You are talking about the project that -to paraphrase the French senate- is "too expensive if it fullfills German requirements, which would impact profits from exports".

Yeah, that's exactly my point. The French motto "Fuck your requirements, it's all about our money" at its best again. By the country with the smallest fraction of orders (4 out of 20 system) on top.

kraxla@piefed.social · 1 pts · 74d

Well thats not in the european spirit.😔

kraxla@piefed.social · 1 pts · 74d
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Melchior@feddit.org · 3 pts · 74d
variaatio@sopuli.xyz · 8 pts · 74d

Pretty normal in Europe. Governments like to keep strategic stakes in key defence companies operating in their area. One being simply "if we own them, they can't leave. That is good for longterm supply security."

Finland owns control of Patria, Norway of Kongsberg, Sweden doesn't own SAAB, however Wallenberg family is as much a swedish institution as the state itself. Airbus is pretty much dominated by ownership stakes of the various governments part of the joint program. France owns Nexter/GIAT/half of KNDS. Italy owns strategic major stake of Leonardo.